First African American Homecoming Queen

Homecoming Week, 1972, culminated in students, administrators and family members attending the Homecoming Day football game. While students hoped that Northeastern’s team would defeat American International College, they also eagerly awaited the halftime announcement of the winner of the Homecoming Queen Contest. On October 14, 1972, the university’s African American students were joyous when Linda Brown became Northeastern’s first African American homecoming queen.

Linda Brown

During the halftime ceremonies, Brown, a sophomore nursing major, was crowned Northeastern’s Homecoming Queen. Brown had competed unsuccessfully for the title in her freshman year. Undeterred, she entered the competition again and broke the racial barrier.

 

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Homecoming Queen Candidates

 

"First Black Queen..."

 

Homecoming Queen with Escort